What is Node.js?
Node.js has been gaining a lot of attraction since 2009 and it seems that this popularity will stay for a long and that’s why it’s offering a number of features that are not available on any other platforms.
Node js is not a framework nor any programming language, it is single-threaded, open-source, and cross-platform runs on javascript v8 engines. It represents a method and list of objects which are accessible to Javascript code when run in Javascript v8 engines.
Now let’s have a look at Why Node.js is used?
Node.js is widely adopted as it is the rare programming environment that only runs in javascript v8 engines. According to the latest reports by Statista, Mobile App Developers prefer Node.js more than other alternatives. Whether your Web apps need to run on Smartphones, tablets, or pc, this run-time environment provides you with an efficient way to build flexible and scalable apps.
Before the invention of Node.js, javascript ruled most as one of the most common client-side programming languages. But with the invention of Node.js, Web App Development has become more super efficient, simple as well as cost-effective.
Node.js meets today’s requirement of processing and real-time information which is more important than anything. It really shines in building efficient, scalable, secure web applications as per the latest needs.
Benefits of using Node.js in Web Application
Wondering what’s the reason behind the Sucess of Node.js, Well there are plenty of Advantages which might surprise you to choose Node.js for your next project.
Faster than any other platform:
As it runs on javascript v8 engines, Node.js compiles the javascript codes into native machine code which makes it more efficient. Hence it is faster than any other framework. It is a good choice for architecture and prototyping solutions as it provides quick and easy experiments.
Node.js offers the Node Package Manager where you can utilize as many libraries you want either you can create your own or can use an existing library as per your project needs
While in the developing stage, it allows you to easily switch between dynamic or static typing whenever it is needed and gives you freedom over how various components of your system are connected.
If you are having any software ideas then Node.js is the best option for your next web apps.
Offers Easy Sharing:
Having a storehouse of 50,000 bundles helps designers to make the necessary changes before starting any projects. It helps the developers to reuse and effortlessly refresh the code again and again.
Web development companies efficiently implement the most out of it by effectively using the storehouse bundles which are ready to help the designers.
Quick Development :
Node.js is the easiest way to start with development. It provides a quick set up and a simple API can be up and run within a minute.
Node.js offers the features of Synchronization, which makes it easier for the developer to manage the code of both the client side and server side. Using the same language on both sides makes it more convenient, and easy to code which results in quick Node.js app development.
Consistent Language Across the stack :
While in Node.js, javascript is used on both the server side and client side which makes it more consistent across the entire platform.
Node.js provides an easy way to exchange the codes between client and server apps or develop entirely with javascript. This makes full-stack development quick and more accessible.
Node.js allows you to choose between dynamic typing or static typing, a developer can use javascript as it comes with a dynamically written script and if the developer wants to work with the static script it provides typescript. Therefore it provides the environment to choose as per their desires.
Single-Threaded Event Driven:
The single-threaded feature makes Node.js capable. to handle the load and construct the app as per requirements. Therefore this nature makes it more unique than any other framework. Node.js is capable to gain more output through Non-blocking O/P and single-threaded event-driven. It uses the Asynchronous method instead of Separate process threads. Hence Node.js Web Application development becomes easier.
Flexible Nature :
We can say that Node.js is flexible in nature in the aspect of editing and updating the code. Whenever you want to make some changes in the node, then you have to change that node only, you do not need to change the whole code. So that it affects only the same node rather than the whole code and this is not only beneficial to your initial development but for your ongoing project as well. And Not only that, but when Node.js and JSON combine, you can also easily exchange the information between client and server.
Cost-Effective:
While developing an application in Node.js, you don’t have to make a huge investment in the application, as it’s an open-source platform which makes it more cost-effective than any other platform. Cost of Build Web Applications in Node.js are 60% more efficient and their development cost reduces by 50%.
These are just some of the good features of Node.js there are other features that will make you start liking Node.js a lot and Node.js will be a good choice for your application.
Pros and Cons of Node.js to Keep in Mind
Everything has some good and bad in it, So Node. js also have some positive and Negative sides. Let’s have a look
Easily Scalable:
While discussing Node.js benefits, Scalability is the most important factor to count which should be discussed first.
What makes Node.js Scalable?
As we all know, Node.js is an open-source run-time environment, this runtime environment can handle numerous requests and prioritize the request having a slower response time. This enhances the performance of Node.js as well as its development. The event-driven and Non-blocking features of Node allow the implementation of a number of nods in the main programming functions and it helps the developer to scale up their code easily.
Through Node.js you can easily extend the functionality of your business software and can add additional resources. Moreover, Node.js increases the efficiency of your business solution.
Robus Technical Stack for Web Application Development :
Currently, Javascript has become the most popular programming language worldwide with a huge number of downloads and active users. With the advent of javascript in Node.js, javascript has become more popular than before and it seems that this popularity will sure to rise in the future.
Many powerful companies have preferred to switch over to Node.js like Netflix uses Node.js for building User-interface, LinkedIn has switched from Ruby on Rails to Node.js with an aim of website optimizations, and PayPal uses Node.js for user content. The list is not completed yet there are many more big companies right now switching to Node.js for their requirements.
While Using Node.js you can get
- Easy number of free tools
- Efficient performance and speed
- Reusable Codes and Sharing
- Easy sharing with the team
- Language consistency
- Faster solution
- Better productivity.
Single Programming Languages :
While Javascript is the only programming language that is used for both front-end and back-end development which persists the language consistency and makes it simpler for web developers to build an application.
The asynchronous factor of Node.js has also reduced the time delays, which were associated with traditional techniques that have limited the functionality of applications for interactive content delivery on page load.
Node Package Manager (NPM) :
Node.js contains a built-in package manager called NPM, which consists of plenty of packages that comes with the packages. The developer can easily install and download the libraries present in their Node.js servers as per their requirements as they do not need to rely on third-party libraries and frameworks when required. It increases productivity as well as speed and reduces development time significantly.
Data Streaming and Monitoring :
Data-streaming is the most positive feature of Node.js. It processes the multimedia files like audio, and video encoding during the time of upload. It helps in monitoring data by collecting real-time data, website traffics, and visualizations so that anyone can know the instant happenings.
Easily Meet Customized Requirements:
Requirements always evolve, to meet the customer’s requirement is the first priority. So Node.js can be easily customized for rapidly growing enterprises. Node.js contains a built-in API for developing JSON and DNS servers which makes it easier to exchange data between the client and the server.
Cons of Node.js
Unstable API:
Node.js frequently changes its API which leads to various changes and lacks stability. Often changes in the API forces the developer to change their access code to match the compatibility with the latest version of the API which takes more time and reduces consistency. This is the most irritating drawback of Node.js.
Hard to Maintain Code :
A callback is an essential function of Node.js, which is called after every task is finished while keeping the other codes running in the meantime. It’s an asynchronous equivalent approach for a function.
When too many complex callbacks are received which is called Callback hell, makes the code difficult to handle or maintain.
Reduces Performance While Handling Heavy Tasks:
As Node.js is a single-threaded, event-driven run-time environment which is the most positive aspect of Node.js, this is the same reason which reduces the performance while computing heavy tasks which changes the advantages into drawbacks.
Web Applications that can be built using Node.js
Real-time Chat Application:
Node.js is well- applicable for applications that require more I/O like real-time chatbot systems. It is possible to build a web chat application without any third-party plugin which doesn’t cause any lags in UI.
Streaming Applications :
Node.js is perfectly suitable for HTTP streaming, which makes it perfect for building live streaming applications like Hotstar, and Netflix, which need to have live updates.
Social Media Applications :
Social Media Applications can also be built using Node.js. You can build a Node.js application that allows you to submit and deliver new content across the network.
Online Payment System :
Node.js is applicable to building E-Payment systems like Paypal or even services like subscriptions that bill users monthly.
E-learning Platform :
An E-learning platform can be built using Node.js. It is scalable to handle a lot of traffic without any slowdown or crashes.
Scalability of Node.js in Business
From the above points, there is no doubt for Node.js which is applicable for almost all kinds of applications that requires and can benefit the enterprise by :
- Increase productivity rate
- High performance and Speed
- Lower your Infrastructure Cost
- Faster Development
- Made for Enterprise-level application
- Fewer bugs and More Output
Conclusion
So it is clear that Node.js has more positive sides as compared to negative sides. Most Reputed companies are moving ahead with Node.js and got productivity rates higher than before.